Traditional Use of Mangroves: the Gift that Keeps on Giving

Charcoal from mangroves

      Mangroves not only support a huge ecosystem but also humans life.  Mangroves are traditionally used to make tapa dye, fishing gear, and medicine.  The bark of the trees provides a pigment brown dye while its sap provides a pigment black dye.  The red flowers are used to make leis, honey, and fish poision.  Each type of mangrove species had its unique role.  The prop roots of Rhizophora were used in light construction, for example making fishing traps.  The Lumnitzera, on the other hand, is more durable and resistant to marine borers, so it was used in heavier construction.  Seeds are used as a remedy for a variety of problems such as sore mouth, asthma, backache, constipation, kidney stones, and headaches.  They are also crushed to make wine, vinegar, and cooking oil.  Mangrove’s wood burns at high temperature, because it has a high calorific value.  The wood is also popular for its heavy charcoal with its pungent smell.  The charcoal is not only used in barbecuing but also metal production.  Natives make tea and tobacco out of the leaves.  Mangrove extracts can be made into soap and synthetic fibers.  

       

      We are still finding more magic in the Mangroves.  Researchers are developing on working theories that the mangroves’ toxins repel insects.  Furthermore, a scientist has suggested that the extract from the mangrove cancer can be used as a cure for throat cancer.  Again and again, we see that mangroves have many physical parts to them with a diverse range of applications.   

Works Cited:

Bandaranayake, Wickramasinghe M. Economic, Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Mangroves. Townsville, Qld.: Australian Institute of Marine Science, 1999. Print.

"Uses for Mangroves." Uses for Mangroves. Florida Department of Plant Industry, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.beachbeans.com/mangrove/mangrove_uses.html>.

Picture Citations:

http://www.charcoalmarket.com/images/Mangrove-Charcoal-Grade-A1.jpg

http://awsassets.panda.org/img/file0213_1_404337.jpg